What some are asking for this holiday
Before diving into this year’s holiday feast, take some time to remember the Colorado families that can’t afford to put turkey, latkes or mustard greens on their tables.
Nearly one in eight Coloradans struggle with hunger, according to Hunger Free Colorado. And as the holiday season arrives, more people want to help their fellow Coloradans.
About half of charitable organizations across the nation receive a majority of their donations during October, November and December, according to a 2012 GuideStar survey of 489 public charities and private foundations.
Want to make a gift this holiday season? Here’s a list of some of the food banks in Denver and what items they need. Epworth Foundation 1865 Bruce Randolph Ave.
The foundation recommends donating the staples, such as flour, sugar and canned milk. It also needs nonperishable items, such as macaroni and cheese, pasta, canned vegetables, dry and canned beans and canned meats. Peanut butter and jelly are also welcomed. The foundation said the little items are often overlooked, such as salt, pepper, spices and seasonings. The food bank also distributes nonfood items that can’t be purchased with food stamps such as baby and hygiene items. Crossroads of the Rockies 2707 W. Mississippi Ave.
A spokeswoman said the food bank’s users particularly like tortillas, dried beans, rice and items that can be used to make tamales for the holiday. The food bank also asks for nonperishables and meat, such as chicken and beef, that can be frozen. The food bank also gives out clothes and needs hats, gloves, socks and coats. Denver Inner City Parish 1212 Mariposa St.
The food bank needs anything ranging from can foods to perishables. A spokeswoman said they also need clothing and toys for ages infant to 18. Servicios de la Raza 3131 W. 14th Ave.
The agency needs hams, turkeys and plenty of nonperishables for the holidays. A spokeswoman stressed the need for toys. She said the agency has yet to hear back from Toys for Tots, which normally supplies more than 500 toys. She said the agency has received some toys from St. Anthony’s Church and Previous Child but nowhere
near the number needed. She said toys should be for ages infant to 16. Delano Food Ministry 395 Knox Ct.
A spokeswoman said the food bank will be doing dinner baskets similar to Thanksgiving ones. She said those typically include a turkey and the fixings. She said the food bank always accepts canned goods and whatever else they can get. Bienvenidos Food Bank 3810 N Pecos St.
A spokesman said cooking oil is very needed but rarely donated. He also said personal care items that can’t be purchased with food stamps are needed, such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and soap. He said the food bank is also looking for diapers and wipes. Food Bank of the Rockies 10700 E 45th Avenue; 3900 Nome Street, Unit T (Denver locations only)
A spokesman said the most pressing need is cash and volunteers, especially after the holidays. The food bank can turn a dollar into four meals or five pounds of food. A spokesman said the food bank accepts nonperishable food donations. The food bank cannot accept baby food in glass jars and generally discourages glass jar donations because of potential breakage. Hours to donate are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Metro Caring 1100 E. 18th Avenue
A spokesman said participants in a recent survey asked for cans of tuna, boxes of whole wheat pasta, jars of peanut butter, bottles of cooking oil, bags of dried rice and cans of corn. He said donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday.